W. Susan Cheng

W. Susan Cheng is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice at the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University. She is affiliated with the Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences and holds a PhD and MPH in Epidemiology from the University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University Joint Doctoral Program, as well as a BA in Biology from Northwestern University.

• PhD in Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University Joint Doctoral Program
• MPH in Epidemiology, San Diego State University
• BA in Biology (physiology concentration), Northwestern University

Dr. Cheng is an infectious disease epidemiologist with research interests in STI/HIV, pandemic preparedness, mental health, maternal and child health, and health disparities. Her work emphasizes the impact of social determinants on anxiety, depression, maternal mortality, and childhood wellness, including nutrition and allergies. She has extensive public health practice experience, particularly in BIPOC communities, American Indian tribes, and congregate housing settings.

Her recent publications focus on pediatric oncology pharmacology, infectious disease management post-transplant, and behavioral epidemiology of substance use and sexual risk. The research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary focus bridging clinical medicine, public health, and social justice.

Dr. Cheng has not been publicly associated with any scientific awards or fellowships in the provided text.

She has trained and mentored students in infectious disease surveillance and response, particularly during her tenure as MPH program director and Department Chair at Benedictine University. While specific grants are not listed, her work in pandemic response, including H1N1, wildfires, and COVID-19, suggests involvement in funded public health initiatives. She developed a virtual Emergency Operations Center and consulted on testing, contact tracing, and return-to-work policies.

Dr. Cheng is actively engaged in public health practice through the Office of Public Health Practice at Tulane, where she contributes to applied training, community partnerships, and real-world public health interventions.